How to Teach the Same Things in Every Church

by Hugh DeLong

That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church (I Corinthians 4:17).

Paul did not teach different things to different churches. There is, of course, one faith (Ephesians 4:4-6). All teaching is based on what the apostles and prophets of the first century revealed.

• They were guided into all truth (John 16:13), and they wrote what had been revealed unto them (Ephesians 3:3-5).
• They instructed disciples to preach no other gospel (Galatians 1:8-9).
• They warned believers to not go beyond what is written (II John 9-10).
• They demanded that teachers speak as the oracles of God (I Peter 4:11).
• They affirmed that Scripture provides the basis for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (II Timothy 3:15-17).
• Disciples then are to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, teaching and admonishing one another, and whatever we do, in word or deed, we are to do it in the name of Jesus (Colossians 3:16-17).

This is not our society’s concept of "your truth and my truth and everybody’s truth"! This points us to a verifiable outside source by which we can ascertain truth – truth about our religious beliefs and teaching. Make sure this is your standard. First, examine yourself. Then hold forth this standard to everyone.